The Beckwith Program provides care in a high-secure environment to clients diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, treatment-resistant symptoms and substance abuse.

The program provides a high-risk unit and a step-down unit. Clients cared for on the high-risk unit typically require one-on-one treatment. Once clients are more stable, they will move to the step-down unit where they will be prepared for eventual discharge to another forensic mental health program.

The clinical team will help patients define their needs through assessment, treatment, life skills training and health promotion. A broad range of therapeutic activities to assist with psychological, educational, social and vocational needs is offered including:

Medication/symptom management

Stress management/relaxation training

Challenges for change/coping with aggression

Health teaching

Substance awareness

Water intoxification interventions

Self-care training

Cooking group

Leisure skills

Games and entertainment

Music therapy

Arts and crafts

Vocational services

Educational services

Visiting a patient

Visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 8:50 p.m. daily. Visitors are encouraged to visit with the patient's consent and children are welcome with adult supervision.

Visitors are asked to contact the program/social worker prior visiting. On some occasions, patients may refuse to meet with visitors, even though they may have travelled a considerable distance. When this occurs, we respect the decision of the patient and we will provide support where appropriate. Waypoint may also restrict visiting hours for clinical or security reasons.

For safety reasons, common areas of the program are monitored by video recording. No cameras or recording devices are allowed in the program.

The following articles should not be brought into the hospital or mailed to any patient:
Jewelry and other valuables, knives or cutlery, whether plastic or metal, scissors, knitting needles, razor blades, plastic bags, pop cans or glass bottles, medicine, alcohol, or tobacco products, lighters, matches, or other items that could be dangerous to the individual, fellow patients, or staff members.

Visitors may purchase snacks from the Canteen, which is located within the Provincial Forensic Mental Health Programs, or visit the Bay Café, our hospital cafeteria, off the main lobby of the Atrium Building. The Bay Café is open for breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. and for lunch from 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. For other food you wish to bring into the building, please call first to confirm.

Phoning a patient Call 705-549-3181 or toll free at 1-877-341-4729 and ask for the Provincial Forensic Programs front desk. Your message will be delivered to the patient.

A more comprehensive information booklet is available upon request from the Social Worker.

How to access this serviceReferrals to Waypoint’s forensic mental health programs are accepted only through the court system or under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Review Board. We do not admit individuals directly from the community to these programs.

For more information about this program and whether or not it is suitable for your needs please contact 705 549-3181 extension 2665.